A recent report from ABC's TV show 20/20 exposed the risks and dangers of driving on old tires.  Even brand new tires that are over 6 years old but never used can fail causing a danagerous and life threatening car accident.  The video of the 20/20 report is below.  The report shows you how to find and decipher the age of your tires or any that you plan on buying. 



I had no idea new tires at the local tire store could have been on the shelf for years.  It's amazing that citizens in European countries have been warned not to buy tires over 6 years old but we haven't.  And people wonder why there are lawsuits from defective products.  It drives me insane when I hear corporate spokesman sit there and say there is not a problem despite that numerous car accidents deaths caused by tires loosing their treads.  Especially when the owners believed they had safe new tires.

Protect yourself and your family by making sure to check the age of your current tires.  If they're older than 6 years old you probably need to replace them.  And when you buy new tires make sure the tires that are actually installed are as new as possible.  I'd recommend buying tires that are no older than 3-4 years old.  Better safe then seriously injured in a tire failure car accident.